Exiles on the march as Carlisle let it slip

NEWPORT County manager Justin Edinburgh admitted he has a difficult job to keep his players’ feet on the ground after a sixth win in seven games saw them climb to fourth in League Two.

Edinburgh’s side showed plenty of grit and determination to battle back from a goal down to beat Carlisle United at Rodney Parade – Lee Minshull firing in the winner after Adam Chapman’s equalising penalty.

County are now just a point off third-placed Shrewsbury Town but the Exiles boss is playing down talk of a promotion push.

“We’re playing ever so well and we’re very consistent in what we do,” said Edinburgh.

“I’m very pleased with the form we’re in but the manager’s job is to make sure we don’t lose any focus and we’ll continue to do what we do.”

Carlisle belied their lowly league status with a strong first-half showing and took a deserved lead after only 11 minutes.

Courtney Meppen-Walter found space at the back post to head Kyle Dempsey’s corner past Joe Day, making his return in goal for County.

But Chapman’s penalty in first-half stoppage time and Minshull’s goal 20 minutes from time sealed a vital three points.

“There were one or two things that weren’t right but I think it showed the character we have to come back from a goal down and win the game,” added Edinburgh.

“I thought we weren’t at our best in the first half and they came and packed the midfield and made it difficult for us.

“The penalty on the stroke of half-time gave us that impetus to get a foothold in the game and in the end we came out worthy winners I think.

“We were a bit sluggish but the penalty gave us a lift and we moved the ball quicker after the break.

“We pushed Lee Minshull a bit further forward and Adam Chapman and Mark Byrne combined well.

“Minshull dispatched his goal brilliantly and it was a great strike to win any game.”

Cumbrians boss Keith Curle was pleased with his side’s response to last week’s 3-0 home defeat to York. “I think in the first half we had much the better of the exchanges and if we’d come in at 1-0 we would have gone on to win it,” he said.

“I’ve seen some given and some not but it gave them the impetus.

“I was disappointed by the second goal and I think we should have got something out of the game but in the second half Newport probably had the better chances.

“The performance was good and I was very pleased with the players’ attitude and application but goals do change games and they scored at crucial times.”